CO129-629-8 Social policy 1-12-1949 - 31-12-1951 — Page 111

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conditions in China. I am aware that in the

past the policy of the Government of Hong Kong

has been to leave the building of workers

houses largely to private enterprise, while

itself giving womb assistance by the

provision of land at reduced praemia, and

that this policy was adopted on the ground

that the work could in this way be carried

out more cheaply than if it were undertaken

by Government. But this policy has not, in

my view, been satisfactory;

progress alike

in reconstruction and in the building of

additional accommodation has been too slow,

and with the return of a large measure of

prosperity to Hong Kong the time has now, I

consider, arrived when the Government of

Hong Kong should itself take an active part,

and endeavour to set a much faster pace in

this matter.

I regard the provision and voting of the

necessary funds as a public duty, incumbent

on the Legislature of Hong Kong, who in this

way would be showing a proper appreciation

and awareness of a state of affairs in

relation to Housing which calls for prompt

remedial measures in a colony under British

administration.

7. I do not overlook the fact that the

provision of new and better accommodation

for the working population of Hong Kong has

the consideration of the report

awaited

made by Sir Patrick Abercrombie on the

replanning